Silent Meditation
Psalm 62 (KJV)
1 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.
4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
Carefree written by Debra Hill Sings and Vocalist: Melissa Hetzler Burton
Silent Meditation
In Psalm 62, the tone of this Psalm is one of quiet contemplative reverence to God. I imagine David setting himself aside from all others and going to a quiet place alone, perhaps for an hour or more. There, in that secret place, he wants to be alone with his God in awe of simply resting in Him and acknowledging how He has brought him through so many adversities through the years. There, David isn’t crying out for help. He isn’t anxious or worried. He is choosing to meditate on the goodness of God. Perhaps he also is waiting to see what God may have to say to him as well.
In the first verse, David starts “Truly my soul finds rest in God. My salvation comes from him.” So, here is a resting place for David, a place of comfort away from. Here is a refuge from his enemies. “Truly,” David repeats. And then he lists the many true attributes and experiences he has had with his God, his rock, his salvation. “Hallowed be thy name.” It’s like he’s beginning a prayer, declaring how glorious and wonderful God has been to him in so many different ways. After this, it’s interesting how now David switches from a peaceful restful contemplative mood to speaking directly in his mind to his enemies. He is alone, so they are not there with him, but his mind has turned from contemplating on God to this conversation now. “How long will you assault me?” he asks. So again, he’s alone but he’s wondering will they ever tire of trying to kill him, of trying to dethrone him? He needs this place of rest from his enemies.
He also remembers that so many of his enemies were “so called” friends that actually betrayed him. They were false friends and betrayers, saying one this but in truth, having wicked intent.
David returns again to his purpose in this seclusion, to why he initiated this time alone. For his soul to find true rest in God. Not in man but only in his God can he find true salvation, true rest a God who will never forsake him, never betray him, never fail him. For emphasis, David again repeats the hallowed names of God declaring who he is. David seems to build up momentum of praise and acknowledgement of the might and power of his God.
With the next verses, I imagine David now standing in that place as if he is a king standing before the crowd, urging them to find the same refuge in trust in God as he does. David reminds them that there is no difference between someone who may be of lowly birth or someone born of riches and wealth. They all together on a scale are looked at as the same before God. We are all just men and women before God, one not better than the other if weighed and balanced on a scale. David warns the people that they need to learn to avoid putting their trust in their status or their weather or riches. “If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.” This echoes the words of Christ in the later Gospels when He instructs us to store up our treasures in heaven, not on earth.
David ends by circling back to his focus on God and records what he is hearing from his Lord. First, God tells him “That power belongeth unto God”. And secondly, God is a rewarder of everyone according to what they have done. So God is looking at each of us, not because of our earthly status but in terms of our character, behavior, the true nature of who WWE are in the quiet place with him, stripped of all barriers. He sees all, knows all, and justly rewards.
Several years ago, I was introduced to a spiritual practice called soaking prayer. Soaking prayer is a way to meditate alone or with others. In a quiet place, usually guided by someone who assists you in bringing your mind to a place of silence before God. Some completely lay out during this method, some people brought blankets and pillows and completely laid out on the floor as if in restful sleep. Others knelt in humble submission. I found it interesting that I found it difficult to clear my mind of all the thoughts of the many duties, tasks, challenges, relationships, issues of my life. I struggled to concentrate fully on just being reverent before God. I did eventually during this hour-long session have moments where I felt my soul was silent before him. And the scripture “I will keep you in perfect peace if you keep your mind on me” was my true experience during those moments. I ask God each day to help me to return in my heart, soul and mind to that place of rest in him where I don’t ask for anything where I only seek his face and long and delight to be with him.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
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